What can I do with a major in criminal justice besides becoming a cop?

Question

I like learning about law. I wanted to be a forensic psychologist, but now I am thinking about changing my mind. What else can I do in the criminal justice/law field? Is there anything I could do with a criminal justice major and a minor in psychology?

Answer 1

Criminal Justice Careers:

ATF Agent, Private Security, *Bailiff, Police Detective, CIA Agent, *Customs Agent, Coast Guard, DEA Agent, *Probation Officer, *Compliance Officer, FBI Agent, *Private Investigator, *Corrections Officer, Sheriff, *Court Clerk, INS Agent, *Crime Scene Investigation, Paralegal

Forensic Psychology Education:
Most positions within this specialized area require more than a bachelor’s degree to be successful. In fact, a doctoral degree is required in order to become a licensed psychologist. For those interested in perusing a career in Forensic Psychology, there are some important undergraduate classes that should be taken. These include: statistics, criminology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, and criminal law. One of the most valuable classes an undergraduate student could take would be motivational psychology. It’s helpful for students to understand the motivation behind why people chose to act and think in certain ways early on in their education. Another helpful piece of advice for students interested in the field of Forensic Psychology is to enroll in a bachelor’s of science program rather than earn a degree as a bachelor of the arts.

Persons who have earned M.A. degrees in clinical psychology typically work in institutions, with a Ph.D. holder supervising them. Because forensic psychologists with a master’s degree can be paid less than those who have obtained a doctorate, many are often employed at correctional facilities. Master’s degree graduates, who attended a college concentrating on cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, generally have more opportunities than those graduating with a clinical degree because they will not be evaluating patients. They can do research for non-profit organizations, or for the government, and may also involve themselves in policy making.

Over the last 20 years, the field of forensic psychology has maintained a steady growth rate. It is expected that over the next ten years, consultation, research work, and clinical practice in psychology and the law will continue to grow. Positions working with lawmakers, attorneys, and the courts are predicted to have the highest demand. It is also expected that jobs working in colleges and universities, teaching and doing research, will continue to increase. Changing laws and the development of new and innovative ways to deal with juvenile offenders has become popular subjects of exploration amongst forensic psychologists. Their expert advice can be vital to the decisions made regarding such delinquents. Those with doctorate degrees will have an edge over those with master’s degrees and will have many more opportunities for employment. Those with only a bachelor’s degree will find specializing in this field to be almost impossible.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes.... Most certainly. A good friend of mine recently graduated with a criminal justice degree but, like yourself, was unsure about becoming a police officer. He took a job waiting tables in the cafeteria at our local justice and administration building. A lot of the police officers, judges and lawyers eat lunch there and the tips are decent.

Answer 3

You can be a police officer, probation officer, corrections officer, with a minor in psychology you could be a detective...there are alot of things, just ask your school counselor.

Answer 4

Criminal justice could take you into investigation.